Sharjah Institute for Heritage Enriches the Cultural Scene at Sharjah International Book Fair with Publications and Dialogue Sessions

With a renewed cultural and intellectual presence, the Sharjah Institute for Heritage is participating in the 45th edition of the Sharjah International Book Fair, taking place from 4 to 15 November at Expo Centre Sharjah under the theme “Made of Stories.” Through a comprehensive pavilion, the Institute offers visitors an enriching experience that brings together knowledge, heritage and creativity, showcasing its journey in documenting, safeguarding and promoting cultural heritage. Its participation also features a series of dialogue sessions and cultural encounters, alongside introducing its publications across various fields of heritage, culture and knowledge.

The Institute's participation builds on its active annual presence at this major international cultural event, which serves as an important platform for engaging with readers, researchers, intellectuals and publishing houses. It also provides an opportunity to highlight Sharjah's efforts in supporting the publishing industry and strengthening the position of heritage within the Arab and international cultural landscape.

Heritage: The Memory of Nations and a Bridge for Civilisational Dialogue

His Excellency Dr Abdulaziz Al Musallam, Chairman of the Sharjah Institute for Heritage, affirmed that the Institute's participation in the Sharjah International Book Fair represents an important cultural milestone for renewing engagement with audiences interested in knowledge and reading, while highlighting the Institute's role in preserving cultural heritage and passing it on to future generations.

He noted that the fair, with its distinguished international standing and pioneering cultural vision, provides an expansive platform for bringing ideas and cultures together and exchanging expertise.

Dr Al Musallam said that the theme of this year's edition, “Made of Stories,” closely aligns with the essence of the heritage mission. Stories, he explained, are not merely accounts of the past; they are the memory of peoples and the vessels of their experiences, values and identity. Through stories, generations remain connected and a sense of human belonging takes shape.

From this perspective, the Institute is keen to make its participation a vibrant space for bringing heritage stories to life and presenting them through contemporary perspectives, transforming them into a source of inspiration, creativity and knowledge.

He added that the Institute's publications represent a valuable knowledge resource documenting various aspects of Emirati and Arab heritage. They also reflect its ongoing efforts in research, authorship, scholarly editing and publishing, contributing to the enrichment of the Arabic library and making heritage knowledge accessible to researchers and those interested in the field.

A Comprehensive Pavilion and a Diverse Cultural Programme

For his part, His Excellency Abu Bakr Al Kindi, Director of the Institute, affirmed that this year's participation features an integrated programme combining the display of specialised publications with a number of dialogue sessions and cultural encounters. This provides visitors with an opportunity to explore the Institute's academic and knowledge-based projects and its contributions to documenting and promoting intangible cultural heritage.

Al Kindi said: "At every edition of the Sharjah International Book Fair, we are keen to present a distinctive participation that reflects the scale of the Institute's work in research, documentation and publishing. We also provide fair visitors with the opportunity to explore our publications, which have exceeded 1,300 titles, covering a wide range of subjects related to heritage, history, culture and folk arts, in addition to specialised studies and research on Emirati, Arab and international cultural heritage."

He added that the dialogue sessions accompanying the Institute's participation provide an opportunity to exchange perspectives and expertise, and to open new avenues for discussion on heritage-related issues, ways of safeguarding it, and developing approaches to presenting it to younger generations.

He further emphasised the Institute's commitment to diversifying its cultural presence and strengthening engagement with all segments of society, in line with its academic and cultural mission.

Dialogue Sessions and Book Signings

As part of its accompanying cultural programme, the Sharjah Institute for Heritage is organising a series of dialogue sessions and cultural encounters featuring a distinguished group of researchers, writers and specialists in heritage and culture. The sessions address a variety of topics bringing together heritage, identity and human creativity.

The Institute's programme includes a cultural session entitled “The Friend We Seek.” Tomorrow, Friday, the Institute will host a session by writer Ibrahim Sanad entitled “44 Ideas to Light the Path of Friendship,” scheduled at the same time, followed by the signing of his book bearing the same title. The Institute's intellectual programme also features a dialogue session entitled “Traditional Emirati Dress: Past and Present.”

Through this participation, the Sharjah Institute for Heritage renews its commitment to supporting the cultural and intellectual movement led by the Emirate of Sharjah, strengthening the presence of heritage publications in the cultural sphere, and promoting awareness of the value of heritage as a living memory and an ever-renewing source of creativity and civilisational dialogue.